According to PBS, the all-star tribute celebrated "the cultural resonance of art and literatures in unique American musical forms."
The concert also featured Buddy Guy, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Keb' Mo', Smokey Robinson, Trombone Shorty, Esperanza Spalding, James Taylor and Usher. Carol Burnett offered special readings and remarks.
Click here to watch the complete broadcast.
McDonald and Mitchell, who co-starred in Ragtime, will reunite this spring in the new Broadway production of Shuffle Along.